ACTION:

Refer to the following Service Procedure for techniques to remove the spark plugs and extract broken spark plugs.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

The engine build date can be read on the left hand cam cover information sticker.

To remove spark plugs without damage, it is necessary to adhere exactly to this procedure before removal is attempted.

CAUTION:

DO NOT REMOVE PLUGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM OR HOT. THE ENGINE MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN PERFORMING SPARK PLUG SERVICE. REMOVING THE SPARK PLUGS FROM A WARM/HOT ENGINE INCREASES THE CHANCE THE THREADS COULD BE DAMAGED.

Spark Plug Removal Procedure

Remove the coil-on-plug assemblies and thoroughly blow out the spark plug wells and surrounding valve cover area with compressed air.

Back out the spark plugs no more than 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Using MotorcraftÂ® Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner, fill the spark plug well just above where the jamb nut hex sits (1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon). A minimum period of 15 minutes of soak time is required. The cleaner will wick down to the ground electrode shield and soften the carbon deposits in this time. DO NOT WORK the spark plug back and forth at this point.

NOTE:

COMPLETELY REVIEW THE PRODUCT LABEL FOR THE MOTORCRAFT CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER PRODUCT – USE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND SHAKE WELL.

CAUTION:

EXCESSIVE MOTORCRAFTÂ® CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER, OR REPEATING THE PROCESS SEVERAL TIMES WITH TOO MUCH CLEANER FLUID, COULD INTRODUCE ENOUGH LIQUID VOLUME TO HYDRO-LOCK THE ENGINE.

CAUTION:

DO NOT USE AIR OR POWER TOOLS FOR SPARK PLUG REMOVAL. SPARK PLUGS MUST ONLY BE REMOVED WITH HAND TOOLS.

Tighten, and then loosen the spark plug, working the plug back and forth. Some screeching and high effort may be noticed. The expected removal torque is about 33 lb-ft (45 N-m). Repeat the back and forth turning as needed until turning effort is reduced, and remove the spark plugs.

NOTE:

NEW PLUGS SHOULD BE INSTALLED USING A FILM COATING OF MOTORCRAFT HIGH TEMPERATURE NICKEL ANTI-SEIZE LUBRICANT ON THE GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD. DO NOT COAT THE ELECTRODE STRAP. (Figure 1)

Figure 1 – Article 08-7-6

Separated/Broken Spark Plug Removal

If the spark plug separates after following the Spark Plug Removal Procedure, it will fail in one of three modes. Refer to the appropriate removal procedure as required.

Mode 1: The ground electrode shield is left behind as an empty shell. (Figure 2)

Mode 3: The upper section of porcelain broke off with remaining porcelain left inside the ground shield. (Figure 4)

Figure 4 – Article 08-7-6

Flowchart of procedure. (Figure 5)

Figure 5 – Article 08-7-6

Mode 1 Procedure:

Use Rotunda special service tool 303-1203 to remove an empty ground electrode shield from the cylinder head. (Figure 6)

Figure 6 – Article 08-7-6

NOTE:

THIS TOOL IS ONLY DESIGNED TO WORK WITH AN EMPTY GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD. IF PORCELAIN REMAINS, PROCEED TO MODE 2 OR 3 REMOVAL.

Modify vacuum cap to a 3/8″ (10 mm) length for each ground electrode shield that needs to be removed. (Figure 7)

Figure 7 – Article 08-7-6

Use the installation rod (J) provided with service tool 303-1203 update to install the modified vacuum cap. Push the cap into the ground shield down to the electrode strap. This will plug and protect the combustion chamber from contamination. (Figure 7)

Turn the tap about 3 to 4 turns into the ground electrode shield. Back the tap up frequently to break chips and avoid cut material from coiling-up in the spark plug well. A tap socket adaptor (K) is provided with service tool 303-1203 update to connect the tap to a 3/8″ socket drive.

CAUTION:

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD WITH THE TAP AND WRENCH. THE TAP MAY BREAK IF THIS IS ATTEMPTED.

Thread Rotunda special service tool 303-1203 into the ground electrode shield. (Figure 9)

Figure 9 – Article 08-7-6

Install the stepped end of the tool pilot bushing into the spark plug well ensuring it bottoms out.

Screw the center shank into the ground electrode shield. Do not over tighten the shank, to prevent thread stripping.

Install the nylon washer and jack nut until finger tight.

Turn the jack nut until the ground electrode is freed from the cavity and withdraw the tool assembly.

NOTE:

NEW PLUGS SHOULD BE INSTALLED USING A FILM COATING OF MOTORCRAFTÂ® HIGH TEMPERATURE NICKEL ANTI-SEIZE LUBRICANT ON THE GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD. DO NOT COAT THE ELECTRODE STRAP.

Retract the collet and pin into the steel tool pilot, protecting the pin. (Figures 13 and 14)

Figure 13 – Article 08-7-6

Figure 14 – Article 08-7-6

NOTE:

PIN TIP DAMAGE OR BENT PINS WILL PREVENT INSERTION INTO THE PORCELAIN.

Insert the completed assembly into the spark plug well and fully engage the pin into the porcelain. (Figure 15)

Figure 15 – Article 08-7-6

Spray MotorcraftÂ® Metal Brake Parts Cleaner 2-4 seconds between the spark plug well and steel tool pilot. The steel tool pilot must be lifted up approximately 1/2″ to allow brake cleaner to flood the porcelain and pin.

Scrub the porcelain inside diameter by moving the threaded rod up and down vigorously. Take care making sure the pin does not disengage the porcelain. (Figure 16).

Figure 16 – Article 08-7-6

Repeat Steps 6 and 7.

Remove the tool assembly. Again flood the porcelain with MotorcraftÂ® Metal Brake Parts Cleaner for 2-4 seconds, then blow out the entire spark plug well and porcelain with dry compressed air.

NOTE:

CLEAN AND DRY COMPONENTS ARE KEY TO BONDING THE PIN TO THE PORCELAIN.

Repeat Steps 1-9 to prepare remaining porcelain fragments as needed.

Disassemble the collet and pin from the threaded rod. Dry the tools thoroughly with dry compressed air.

Porcelain Removal – Bonding Process

CAUTION:

USE CARE TO PREVENT BONDING AGENT FROM CONTACTING THREADS IN CYLINDER HEAD.

NOTE:

WORKING TIME LIMIT OF LOCTITEÂ® 638â„¢ RETAINING COMPOUND IS 5 MINUTES.

Apply two 3/4″ (19 mm) long stripes of LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ to opposite sides of a clean and dry applicator (H). Excessive amounts of LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ are being used if it drips off the applicator. (Figure 17)

Figure 17 – Article 08-7-6

Insert applicator into the porcelain and move applicator up and down 1/2″ (13 mm) while turning to spread the LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ on the inside of the porcelain. (Figure 18).

Figure 18 – Article 08-7-6

Add additional LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢, repeating Steps 1 and 2.

Clean the applicator with MotorcraftÂ® Metal Brake Parts Cleaner before the bonding agent starts to cure.

Reassemble a dry and clean collet and pin assembly.

Apply two 3/4″ (19 mm) long stripes of LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ to the pin. Excessive amounts of LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢are being used if it drips off the pin.

Retract the collet and pin into the steel tool pilot to protect the LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ coated pin.

Insert the completed assembly into spark plug well and fully engage the pin into the porcelain with a twisting motion to spread the bonding agent.

Add additional LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢, repeating Steps 6-8.

Leave the pin fully inserted in the porcelain while the adhesive cures. Replace the steel tool pilot with the aluminum alignment sleeve (G), Figure 9, to support the threaded rod while the adhesive cures if additional porcelain fragments are present in other cylinders. (Figure 19).

Figure 19 – Article 08-7-6

CAUTION:

A MINIMUM 1 HOUR CURING TIME AT 70 Â°F (21 Â°C) DEGREES IS REQUIRED BEFORE EXTRACTION IS ATTEMPTED.

Allow the LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ to cure for a minimum of one hour at 70 Â°F (21 Â°C).

Repeat the bonding process for remaining cylinders as needed.

Porcelain Removal – Extraction

After a minimum of one hour curing at 70 Â°F (21 Â°C), install the steel pilot tool over the threaded rod.

Install the washer and jack nut until finger tight against the tool pilot bushing.

CAUTION:

ONLY THE STEEL PILOT TOOL IS ACCEPTABLE FOR USE IN PORCELAIN REMOVAL.

While holding the end of the threaded rod with a wrench, tighten the jack nut until the porcelain is free of the ground electrode.

Refer to Mode 1 Procedure to remove the remaining ground electrode shield from the cylinder head.

NOTE:

NEW PLUGS SHOULD BE INSTALLED USING A FILM COATING OF MOTORCRAFTÂ® HIGH TEMPERATURE NICKEL ANTI-SEIZE LUBRICANT ON THE GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD. DO NOT COAT THE ELECTRODE STRAP. (FIGURE 7)

Porcelain Removal – Pin Slipped Out

In the unlikely event that the pin does not remove the broken porcelain, this process can be repeated. Key elements to success are:

Clean and dry porcelain

Sufficient LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ Retaining Compound spread uniformly

LoctiteÂ® 638â„¢ cure time and temperature

Preventing the threaded rod from rotating while removing the porcelain

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty CoverageIMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.